Rackers on Leinart: We’re in good hands

After a 20-minute walk-through at their Methodist Training Center, the Texans scattered for five consecutive days off during their open date.

In the dressing room, quarterback Matt Leinart was the center of attention. He’s replaced the injured Matt Schaub as the starting quarterback, and his first assignment will be to lead the team to a victory in Jacksonville on Nov. 27.

“All he has to do is to put the key in the ignition and start it,” receiver Bryant Johnson said.

Johnson and kicker Neil Rackers played with Leinart at Arizona. Rackers kicked for the Cardinals during Leinart’s four seasons (2006-09).

“We’re in good hands,” Rackers said.

Because the Texans have the NFL’s third-ranked running game and top-ranked defense, Leinart isn’t being placed in a situation where he has to throw 40 times to win or has to try to win the game by himself.

When the Texans return from their open date on Sunday, they’ll begin preparations for their second game against Jacksonville. They enter the break with a 3-0 AFC South record and a 1½-game lead over Tennessee. They still have to play each of their division foes, including the Jaguars and Indianapolis on the road.

“But we’re leading the division, and it’s up to us to do what we’re capable of, and that’s to keep winning,” inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans said.